He staged the confrontation on the porch.”

“It doesn’t matter whether he lied about the driveway, Madison,” Holt said, his voice sinking into a measured military monotone.

“The civilian complaint set off an automatic administrative inquiry with Regional Command in Columbus.”

“I’ve got the certified mail receipt right here in my pocket,” I said, pulling the white slip out of my jacket.

“My emergency leave orders were verified and logged three days ago.”

“The leave orders are good,” Holt said.